Just Nuggets

Unveiling Ford Escape 2013

2011-11-16T08:15:00.000-08:00

Ford uncovered the Escape Wednesday at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The new model has a common look with the F-150, and indeed the new Focus and Fiesta: It attempts to be the compact crossover for everyone. It has a long list of features that allows aspiring and luxury buyers alike to load up the option sheet without paying for a prestige name. Like the Focus Titanium vs. the Verano, it could compete with Buicks.

The new Escape is a vital model in Ford’s global empire as this is the vehicle that will substitute the Kuga crossover in Europe. It will also be sold in China for the first time, as a Kuga as well.

[Motor Trend]

Heather Locklear and Jack Wagner Engagement is Over

2011-11-16T01:30:00.000-08:00

Heather Locklear and Jack Wagner, who publicized their plans to marry in August, have purportedly called off their engagement.

According to People, Locklear’s rep explicitly confirmed that the engagement between the former “Melrose Place” stars is now over; the news came after Locklear was spotted at the premiere of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1” not wearing her engagement ring on her finger. Reason for the split is not yet given.

[Washington Post]

Heavy D is Dead

2011-11-09T08:21:00.000-08:00

Rapper Heavy D passed away today after being rushed to a Los Angeles hospital. He was 44 years old. The cause of his death was not known immediately.

Heavy D came home at 11:30 a.m. from a mall and was climbing a set of stairs at his condominium when he experienced trouble breathing, according to staff at his Beverly Hills building.

The staff tried to assist him to his home but he collapsed. When police arrived, they found him conscious but still having difficulty breathing. He was brought to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center around noon, where he was pronounced dead.

The cause of death will be concluded by the coroner’s office, but police said there were no signs of foul play.

In pop culture, Heavy D is also recalled for his mention in the Notorious B.I.G.’s 1994 hit single “Juicy” with the lyric “Salt’n'Pepa and Heavy D up in the limousine.”

Watch NBA All-Star 2011 Weekend Online

2011-02-18T09:38:00.000-08:00

The 2011 NBA All Star Weekend is almost here. This year's action will take place at the Staples Center in Los Angles.

On Friday, there's the Celebrity game where you'll see Justin Bieber play hoops with NBA old timers and other celebrity. The Rookies vs Sophomores game will follow afterwards where John Wall will lead the rookies and Blake Griffin for the sophomores.

On Saturday we'll see the Haier shooting stars, Taco Bell skills challenge, Foot Locker 3 point shootout and Sprite slam dunk contest where all eyes would be on Clippers' Blake Griffin.

Saving the best for last as usual is the 60th NBA All Star game on Sunday. Kobe Bryant will try to lead the West against LeBron James East team.

Stay tuned on this spot for free online streaming of the games.

Slacker Increases $3M Debt Funding for Expansion

2011-02-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

Streaming radio service SLACKER RADIO revealed in a SEC filing that it has obtained an addition of cash: $3 million in debt funding, MASHABLE.COM reports. "Slacker had a great 2010 and tweaked their business to make it float," a SLACKER rep said. "The funding will help to further our automotive efforts" -- referring to SLACKER's move to become available in cars a la PANDORA. Since SLACKER still has a license to cache music, it won’t require a consistent signal to stream, giving it an advantage over the other service.

SLACKER also plans to implement on-demand listening at the end of JANUARY, but the rep now says it should be unveiled around the SXSW conference. This will expand SLACKER’s offerings to free radio, paid radio and on-demand. Streaming radio service SLACKER RADIO announced in an SEC filing that it has received an injection of cash: $3 million in debt funding, MASHABLE.COM reports.

SLACKER also plans to employ on-demand listening at the end of JANUARY, but the rep now says it should be launched around the SXSW conference. This will expand SLACKER’s offerings to free radio, paid radio and on-demand.

Vinita Nair Bids Farewell to World News Now

2011-02-18T09:09:00.000-08:00

Vinita Nair is bidding farewell to ABC News. The much-loved World News Now anchor said her last farewell to the early morning news program which she has co-anchored since September 2008.

Rob Nelson, Nair’s co-anchor, amazed her with a clip of some of her most fun segments and also gave her bananas (her favorite fruit), eggs, flowers and vintage champagne during her big send away segment today.

Nair will be appearing as a doctor in an upcoming episode of the soap opera One Life to Live.

HTC Thundebolt set to arrive on Feb 24

2011-02-15T23:10:00.001-08:00

What probably would be the first 4G LTE handset for Verizon, the HTC Thunderbolt is set to be available on Feb 24, not 20th as rumored earlier.

This 4.3-inch LTE smartphone has Android 2.2 preloaded, boasts a Super LCD display, 8 megapixel camera with HD video recording, DLNA, Dolby Surround Sound and Skype video calling integrated right into HTC Sense. Keep in mind that this is also a Verizon exclusive handset.

HTC Thunderbolt

Networks: LTE 700, CDMA EvDO revA
Operating system: Android 2.2 + HTC Sense
Display: 4.3" WVGA TFT capacitive touch screen
Camera: 8MP with autofocus, LED Flash (2x LED), 1.3MP front facing camera
Memory: 8GB emmc + 768 RAM Memory card, preinstalled 32 GB microSD
WLAN: 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth: 2.1 with EDR (3.0 when available)
GPS: GPS/AGPS
Battery: 1400 mAh
Special features: Dual mics with noise cancellation, Surround sound, Compass sensor, G-Sensor, Proximity sensor, Light sensor, 3.5mm audio jack, MicroUSB, FM radio, LTE SIM slot , TI audio DSP
Chipset: Qualcomm® MSM8655, 1GHz, Qualcomm MDM9600

Irina Shayk Shoots in Boracay, Philippines

2011-02-15T08:36:00.000-08:00

Irina Shayk, 25, a Russian-born model, made it to the cover of the issue, and photos of her were taken in beaches in Hawaii and Boracay Island, Philippines. This is her 5th appearance in Sports Illustrated.

Click here for more hot photos.

Bachelor Contestants Posed for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2011

2011-02-15T07:35:00.000-08:00

The annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue has been published and it is naturally filled to the brim with gorgeous models in barely-there bikinis. The cover model is Irina Shayk who has been a 5^th timer cover girl. Shayk is now part of a select company of beauties to grace the iconic cover, a major career boost for such cover girls as Christie Brinkley, Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks and Rebecca Romijn. She confessed she was taken aback when she learned she would be following in their footsteps in the sand — she did shoots for the magazine in Hawaii and the Philippines last year, but the magazine protects the identity of its cover girl until the last minute.

This year there is a fun twist -- three “Bachelor” contestants got to do an SI swimsuit photo shoot in Anguilla (the episode aired Monday night, Feb. 14) and are featured in the issue as well.

Chantal O'Brien, Ashley Hebert and Michelle Money were the fortunate girls who got to frisk in the sand and waves in their red bikinis (or sometimes just red bikini bottoms) and have their striking shots proficiently touched up and put online.

Say what you will about how crazy pants Michelle was on the show -- girl can take a picture. The camera loves her. Chantal and Ashley didn't come out too shabby either. Online, Chantal has 21 other photos besides the one here and Ashley and Michelle each have 15. Check them out at SI’s official website.

Miss Mexico's question and answer in Miss Universe 2010

2010-08-23T23:29:00.000-07:00

The new Miss Universe 2010, Mexico's Miss Jimena Navarrete answered her question coolly and with substance. Congratulations!

Question to Miss Mexico, Jimena Navarrete: What is your opinion about monitoring children’s use of the internet?

Answer: “Well, I believe that Internet is an indispensable tool in this present time and we must be very careful and watch over what our children watch and see, our teenagers watch and see. And we must be sure to teach them the value that we learn as a family so that they may use the Internet properly”

Congratulations to Miss Mexico. She did good with her answer.

Miss Philippines question and answer in Miss Universe 2010

2010-08-23T23:28:00.001-07:00

Here’s the answer that disappointed a lot of Filipinos after Miss Venus Raj made it to the Top 5.

Question to Miss Philippines, Maria Venus Raj: What is the one biggest mistake that you have made in your life and what did you do to make it right?

Answer: “You know what, sir, in my 22 years of existence I can say that there’s nothing major, major problem that I’ve done in my life because I’m very confident with my family with the love that they are giving to me. So thank you so much that I’m here. Thank you, thank you so much!”

Ack!!

Simona Halep loses at French Open after breast reduction

2010-05-28T00:54:00.000-07:00

After recovering from breast reduction surgery last summer, Simona Halep, is back at the French Open. From 34DD to just 34C, her surgery seems to be working for her as she got through her qualifying matches last week.

Unfortunately, she got eliminated only in the first round after getting beaten by Australia's Samantha Stosur, 7-5, 6-1. Sigh.

She caused quite a stir last year after she announced that she will be undergoing breast reduction for her 34DD's. A lot of fans petitioned against it. 34C is still alright though.

Here are more photos of Simona Halep during her 34DD times.

[NBC Sports]

Venus Williams' lacy tennis outfit at the French Open

2010-05-23T20:46:00.001-07:00

Lace and Tennis? Do they match? Tennis superstar Venus Williams thinks so as she competes in a black lace outfit with red trimmings during her first-round match against Patty Schnyder.

The news is not about the match itself, which she won easily going 6-3, 6-3, but it's about the revolutionary outfit that she's wearing to promote her own clothing line, Eleven. So is this going to catch on in the future? Only time will tell but I hope so. It will give tennis a big boost in ratings if girls like Sharapova or Jelena Dokic start wearing them.

[Yahoo! Sports]

Glee's Heather Morris goes nude

2010-05-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

If you're a follower of the TV musical series Glee then you would know who Heather Morris is. She plays Brittany, the blond European who's one of the cheerleader trio. Remember the line, dolphins are gay sharks. That's her.

Anyway, she seems to have posed for a nude shot and her pictures are now circulating the internet. They're not scandalous shots but are done in an artsy, tasteful way. If you know what's this shoot for, please leave a comment.

[Via Egotastic]

Watch Superbowl 44 FREE Live Online Streaming

2010-02-07T18:18:00.000-08:00

Here's a working live streaming of the NFL Superbowl 44 between the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts care of Justin.TV.

Watch live video from Live streams on Justin.tv

Enjoy!

Celebrity Doppelganger week on Facebook

2010-02-01T23:42:00.000-08:00

About a month ago, people were wondering why women's Facebook statuses are just colors. It turned out it was the color of their bra at that time.

Now, why are people changing their Facebook profile pic to somebody else? It's because of another viral thing going on in Facebook called Doppelganger week. Facebook users worldwide are replacing their profile pic into a celebrity that best resembles them.

Here's the message that's being sent to users in Facebook:

It’s Doppelgänger week on Facebook; change your profile picture to someone famous (actor, musician, athlete, etc.) you have been told you look like. After you update your profile with your twin or switched at birth photo then cut/paste this to your status.

[All Facebook]

List of winners of the 52nd Grammy Awards

2010-01-31T22:41:00.000-08:00

Here's the complete list of winners (main categories) for the 52nd Grammy Awards (2010) for easy viewing.

Record of the Year: Kings Of Leon - Use Somebody
Album of the Year: Taylor Swift - Fearless
Song of the Year: Beyoncé - Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Best New Artist: Zac Brown Band
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance: Beyoncé - Halo
Best Male Pop Vocal Performance: Jason Mraz - Make It Mine
Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals: Black Eyed Peas - I Gotta Feeling
Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals: Jason Mraz & Colbie Calliat - Lucky
Best Pop Vocal Album: Black Eyed Peas - The E.N.D.
Best Dance Recording: Lady Gaga - Poker Face
Best Electronic/Dance Album: Lady Gaga - The Fame
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Michael Bublé - Michael Bublé Meets Madison Square Garden
Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance: Bruce Springsteen - Working On A Dream
Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals: Kings of Leon - Use Somebody
Best Hard Rock Performance: AC/DC - War Machine
Best Metal Performance: Judas Priest - Dissident Aggressor
Best Rock Song: Use Somebody
Best Rock Album: Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown
Best Alternative Music Album: Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Best Female R&B Vocal Performance: Beyoncé - Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Best Male R&B Vocal Performance: Maxwell - Pretty Wings
Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals: Jamie Foxx & T-Pain - Blame It
Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance: Beyoncé - At Last
Best R&B Song: Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Best R&B Album: Maxwell - Blacksummers' Night
Best Contemporary R&B Album: Beyoncé - I Am... Sasha Fierce
Best Rap Solo Performance: Jay-Z - D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)
Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group: Eminem, Dr. Dre & 50 Cent - Crack A Bottle
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West - Run This Town
Best Rap Song: Run This Town
Best Rap Album: Eminem - Relapse
Best Female Country Vocal Performance: Taylor Swift - White Horse
Best Male Country Vocal Performance: Keith Urban - Sweet Thing
Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals: Lady Antebellum - I Run To You
Best Country Collaboration with Vocals: Carrie Underwood & Randy Travis - I Told You So
Best Country Song: White Horse
Best Country Album: Taylor Swift - Fearless
Best Musical Show Album: West Side Story
Best Compilation Soundtrack Album For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Score Soundtrack Album For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media: Up
Best Song Written For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media: Jai Ho

For the really complete list along with the nominees, head on to Grammy.com.

Jay-Z's mysterious kid is Solange Knowle's son

2010-01-31T22:26:00.000-08:00

During Beyonce Knowles' acceptance speech at the 2010 Grammy Awards, hubby Jay-Z was shown with a young boy sitting beside him. At another point in the show, when Jay-Z and Rihanna were called to the stage, the same small boy went up with them.

This got people thinking on who the kid was. Is it Jay-Z's son? The 40-year old rapper has no known record of being a father even to Beyonce's knowledge. It turned out that the kid was his nephew. 6-year old Daniel Julez Smith Jr. is the son of Beyonce's sister, Solange Knowles. False alarm people.

[Gather]

Reason why women are posting colors as their Facebook status

2010-01-07T22:38:00.000-08:00

Quick! Log in to your Facebook and check the status of your lady friends. You may have noticed that some status are simply colors. Black, gray, peach, blue, etc. Are there new colors for moods that we didn't know about? Wonder what those colors meant?

Those status simply indicates the color of bra they are currently wearing. And why are they doing it? To raise awareness for breast cancer. That's it. But who started this thing? Nobody knows for sure but whoever it is must have missed the fact that National Breast Cancer Awareness month is still in October.

Mayweather blames Pacquiao for the death of their fight

2010-01-07T22:20:00.000-08:00

Mayweather claims that it was Pacquiao and his camp who have caused the cancellation of their much-awaited fight this March.

Their fight has been cancelled when the two camps can't agree on how to deal with the drug tests. Mayweather who accuses Pacquiao for taking performance-enhancing drugs wants a blood and urine test to be done at random times up to the day of the fight. Paquiao agreed in having a drug test but insists that the last day should be 30 days prior to the fight.

As a compromise, Mayweather's people proposed a 14-day cutoff instead but Pacquiao is unwilling to agree with it and accuses Manny of not wanting to take the test.

[USA Today]

Brittany Murphy died at age 32

2009-12-20T17:45:00.000-08:00

32-year old actress Brittany Murphy just died from cardiac arrest Sunday evening upon arrival at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She was rushed to the hospital after suffering from a heart attack that was suspected to be caused by drug use.

According to TMZ.com, Simon Monjack, Murphy's husband, called 911 after Brittany Murphy's Mom discovered her unconscious in the shower. When the medics arrived, they quickly determined she was in "full cardiac arrest."

Brittany Murphy rose to fame with the movie Clueless in 1995 alongside Alicia Silverstone.

Hugh Jackman stops in the middle of play when a cell phone rang

2009-09-29T20:23:00.000-07:00

In the middle of an intense moment during a Broadway play, Hugh Jackman got out of his character when a cell phone from the audience rang. He said out loud, "You want to get that?", much to the audience's delight.

When the ringing persisted, Jackman pleads: "Come on, just turn it off." He then paces the stage and waits a minute for the ringing to stop and the play resumes.

The play is a preview performance of "A Steady Rain" by Keith Huff starring Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig.

[TMZ.com]

20-year old Elena Shapiro killed by a doctor in DUI crash

2009-09-16T07:17:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, September 11, 20-year old ballerina Elena Shapiro was rear-ended while she was driving her car in Raleigh, North Carolina. It resulted to her death while the driver of the other car survived.

Cosmetic surgeon Raymond Cook was drunk and was driving at 85mph when he slammed his car into Shapiro's. He has been charged with driving while impaired and felony death by motor vehicle. He also surrendered his medical license and apologized to Shapiro's family while posting a $250,000 bail to be released from custody.

Shapiro entered the UNC School of the Arts' School of Dance as an eighth-grader and graduated with a high-school diploma in 2007. She was just beginning her second season with the 37-member Carolina Ballet.

Rare pink grasshopper found

2009-09-16T06:47:00.000-07:00

During a wildlife event in Seaton Marshes Local Nature Reserve in East Devon, UK, an English schoolboy found a surprisingly rare grasshopper.

Daniel Tate saw something pink that he thought was a flower. But when it jumped he knew it was a grasshopper. However, it's not any rare species of grasshopper but only a common one that just happened to be born pink.

What makes this particular grasshopper so rare is the intensity of the pink, according to a nature reserves officer in Britain.

President Obama calls Kanye West a "jackass"

2009-09-15T20:16:00.000-07:00

In an off-the-record interview with President Obama when asked about the VMA incident when Kanye interrupted Taylor Swift's speech, it seems that he called Kanye West a "jackass".

The question was asked by a CNBC reporter but it was Terry Moran, an ABC White House reporter, who tweeted about the president's reaction. Don't bother looking for the tweet because it has already been deleted but here's a screenshot of it from Google's cache.

Frankly, I don't think it should be deleted. If the president actually said that then what's wrong? He's entitled to his own opinion anyway and it's not really that off-base.

Lady Gaga’s 6 outfits during the MTV VMA 2009

2009-09-14T20:28:00.001-07:00

In the recently held MTV’s Video Music Awards, Lady Gaga sported six outrageous looking outfits. Here they are in the sequence that she wore them.

She arrived in this Jean-Paul Gaultier frock.

Then she followed it again with another JPG, this time looking like somebody from the Jetsons.

For her performance she was down on her white undies with a Hannibal Lecter-looking mask with feathers.

Another award later for Best New Artist, you wouldn't know it's her if those blonde curls are also hidden. I don't know what her inspiration for this outfit. OZ's Scarecrow painted in red?

Back on her seat, she dons this hollowed out bird's nest as her headgear.

And lastly at her post-VMA party, she went a bit conservative (compared to her other outfits) with this minidress with mesh overlay and two dinner plates for her headpiece.

Kanye West apologized to Taylor Swift via his blog

2009-09-14T00:29:00.000-07:00

After Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift during her Best Female Video speech, he didn't finish the awards show and went home instead. He finished watching the show at home and issued his apology through his blog.

As for his reason for interrupting Swift?

"Everybody wanna boooo me but I'm a fan of real pop cuture!!! ... I gave my awards to OutKast when they deserved it over me ... that's what it is."

This is in reference to the BET 2007 Awards when Kanye West attempted to give his trophy to OutKast's Big Boi and rap act UGK for their "International Player's Anthem."

What Kanye told Taylor Swift during her speech

2009-09-14T00:04:00.000-07:00

Taylor Swift won the Best Female Video in MTV's Video Music Awards for her single "You Belong With Me". As she went onstage and gave her speech, Kanye West interrupted her saying that Beyonce's Single Ladies should've won the award.

Here's what transpired:

"I always dreamed about what it would be like to win one of these one day," Taylor said with surprise. "I never thought it would happen."

As Taylor continued, Kanye interrupted, saying he thought Beyonce's "Single Ladies" video was wrongly overlooked. "Hey Taylor, I'm really happy for you, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time."

Ouch. That earned Kanye a lot of boots and gave Taylor Swift a standing ovation.

Serena Williams' foul mouth sealed the win for Kim Clijsters

2009-09-13T01:02:00.001-07:00

Kim Clijsters makes her way to the finals (6-4, 7-5) of women's tennis in the US Open 2009 with a little help from Serena Williams' temper and foul mouth.

The semifinal match that got delayed for 32 hours due to rain ended bizarrely after Serena Williams complained to the line official who gave her a "foot fault" ruling on her serve.

While serving on the second set, the line judge called the foot fault on Serena. The match wasn't going her way at all and that added ruling paved the way for Serena to say "I'm going to shove this ball down your f------ throat" to the line judge. As Serena turned around to serve, she stopped and went back to badgering the line judge.

The chair umpire then called over the line judge to ask what Serena had said, rules officials were summoned, a brief summit occurred at the net and it was determined that Serena would be assessed a point penalty for a conduct violation.

Clijsters was in control throughout the match and Serena's outburst only hasten her victory. She will be facing Caroline Wozniacki in the finals.

3rd New Moon Trailer

2009-09-12T09:21:00.001-07:00

Here's the third New Moon trailer that you may have not seen yet. It's captured in a cinema so forgive the low quality. At least there are no fans screaming this time.

You can see Dakota Fanning, Edward Cullen topless and another shot of Taylor Lautner topless if you're into those guys. Edward in a red cape gets his ass kicked in this trailer by another vampire.

Jeff Hardy arrested for drug trafficking

2009-09-11T20:07:00.000-07:00

WWE Superstar Jeff Hardy has been arrested Friday on charges of trafficking in controlled prescription pills and possession of anabolic steriods.

A search of his residence yielded 262 Vicodin prescription pills, 180 Soma prescription pills, 555 milliliters of anabolic steroids, a residual amount of powder cocaine and items of drug paraphernalia, according to a press release. He was released on a $125,000 bond Friday.

According to him via his twitter account:

“A lot of exaggerations are out there today, don’t believe everything you read 4 it is not true, I am at home and fine-thanks for your concern.”

“The media is the media, I wish they would at least report the story correctly & accurately. I will make a statement later.”

It was only last month that Jeff Hardy didn't renew his WWE contract to pursue personal projects. His last fight against CM Punk was a great ending for his brilliant run as a professional wrestler.

Oprah fans surprised Oprah with a choreographed dance

2009-09-11T04:28:00.000-07:00

In Chicago, Oprah fans tore up a choreographed dance move to Black Eyed Peas hit "I Got a Feelin" which shocked Oprah herself.

To celebrate the start of the 24th season of her show, the episode was taped last Tuesday afternoon on a three-block stretch of Michigan Avenue near the Chicago River. A lot of artists perform but it was the Black Eyed Peas performance that triggered a flash mob dance to Oprah's surprise.

At the beginning of the song, there's this girl dancing her ass off that Oprah took notice and began filming it using her phone. Eventually, more and more people pitched in with synchronized choreography until the whole block joined in prompting Oprah to say, "This is the coolest thing ever!".

GM offers full refund to new car buyers

2009-09-11T01:17:00.000-07:00

In order to win back American consumers, General Motors announced that they will be offering a full refund for new car buyers who wish to return their cars withing two months of purchase.

Hopefully, this effort will allow the public to put their trust back on GM who went to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this year. GM received $50 billion in government aid earlier this year and it has to pay that back to continue operating.

GM will allow customers who purchase a new vehicle starting next Monday through Nov. 30 to return it for a full refund within 1 to 2 months from the date of purchase. The vehicles must not have more than 4,000 miles on them and the drivers must be current on their payments.

This offer doesn't apply to their Pontiac brand but Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac are included.

Ellen DeGeneres to join judges of American Idol

2009-09-10T01:50:00.000-07:00

When Paula Abdul announced her departure from American Idol a couple months back, we thought the show's going back to a 3-judge panel. Turns out that there's still going to be 4 judges next season.

Ellen DeGeneres announced on her show that she will join Simon, Randy and Kara to the judging panel in next season's AI. She's known for giving funny false announcements on her show but this time it's for real.

Here's what Simon Cowell has to say about Ellen joining them:

"Ellen has been a fan of the show for many years, and her love of music and understanding of the American public will bring a unique human touch to our judging panel. I can't wait for this next season to begin."

Well I think Ellen's funny comments will be better than Paula's ramblings. I'm thinking AI will boost its rating next season when Ellen's on board.

[Yahoo! TV]

Elisabetta Canalis, Clooney's new girl

2009-09-09T03:26:00.000-07:00

George Clooney has gone public with his new girl, sexy Italian Elisabetta Canalis when they arrived linking arms at the Venice Film Festival on Monday.

So who's Elisabetta Canalis really? Italian media calls her Eli, a 30 (turning 31) actress, model and Italian MTV presenter. Her most popular movie would have to be with Rob Schneider in Deuce Bigolow: European Gigolo but I love her role as sexy Sister Gabriella in Virgin Territory (starring Hayden Christensen) where she showed some skin.

Lucky George

This is Tyra Bank's real hair

2009-09-08T20:20:00.001-07:00

Tyra Banks admitted in The Today Show that the hair she's currently sporting is 100% fake. She said that she hasn't shown her real hair since she was 19.

Here's what her real hair looks like. See those tracks?

Frankly, I don't really see anything wrong with it except that its wet. Don't know why people are making a big fuss about it. Anyone care to explain?

Check out the complete video from The Insider.

Guy Dupuy's ridiculous dunk

2009-09-08T20:10:00.001-07:00

Over at Nike Midnight Madness in London, Team Flight Brother's Guy Dupuy did this unbelievable dunk. Check it out:

The off-the-bounce over somebody else's back plus a between the legs mid flight for a thunderous dunk really swept the crowd. It's one sick dunk!

Melanie Oudin's customized adidas shoes

2009-09-07T19:11:00.000-07:00

There's much talk about Melanie Oudin's sneakers. It's a pair of customized adidas Barricade tennis shoes in pink and yellow colors and the word "Believe" at the side of the heal. There's no word yet if adidas will be marketing that design after the US Open but you can customize your own with mi adidas.

The 17-year old tennis player who defeated Maria Sharapova is now making a name for herself in the US Open. She just defeated another Russian, Nadia Petrova, to advance to her first Grand Slam quarterfinals.

Katrina Lee Before and After Photos

2009-09-07T02:07:00.000-07:00

Katrina Lee was a contestant of the American version of the talent show X-Factor five years ago where Simon Cowell's one of the judges. After Katrina's audition, Cowell made a remark wishing that "he could put her voice into someone else's body" and it forced her to go into plastic surgery.

Here's her before and after photos now that she joined the talent show once again.

She had laser surgery on her face, got her teeth fixed, had liposuction and hired a personal trainer so she could lose some weight. Aside from that she also dyed her blond hair bright red so she could stand out from the crowd.

[Mail Online]

2000 students reported with swine flu symptoms

2009-09-06T19:37:00.000-07:00

In Washington State University, 2000 of its 19000 students have been reported to have swine flu symptoms at the start of the fall semester. The keyword here is symptoms meaning they are not full-blown cases of the swine flu.

What's alarming here is the number of students affected with the influenza-like illness when they expect only a handful just like in the previous years. It is the largest outbreak of the virus among US college campuses.

WSU officials said that already two hundred of flu self-care kits have already been distributed to its students. They also added that none of the cases of swine flu has required hospitalization so far.

"The overwhelming majority of our patients have had mild symptoms and are usually better in three to five days," the university said.

Be careful in downloading Kid Cudi's leaked album

2009-09-06T08:16:00.000-07:00

Kid Cudi's soon-to-be released album entitled Man on the Moon: The End of the Day which has a scheduled release on September 15 has been leaked in torrent sites. However, users are warned that due to its popularity, the album is also being used to spread virus and trojans.

So if you're one of those who can't wait for the release of Cudi's latest album, check the comments of your torrents to see if it's the real deal or not. Hint, look for the one ripped by a certain Bubanee.

Kid Cudi became popular with his hit song Day N' Nite which breezed to the top of the billboard charts when it came out.

Sharapova got dominated by 17-year old in US Open

2009-09-05T18:35:00.000-07:00

Three-time Grand Slam champion and former no. 1 in women's tennis, Maria Sharapova, got beaten by a 17-year old American in the 3rd round of the US Open.

Melanie Oudin who didn't expect to reach the 4th round of the tournament was bewildered after beating Sharapova 3-6, 6-4, 7-5. The kid from Marietta, GA was just enjoying her trip to the US Open and the Big Apple and was surprised at the outcome of the match which she said was her biggest win so far.

Ron and Hermione kiss in Deathly Hallows

2009-09-02T19:26:00.000-07:00

The next installment for the Harry Potter movie is going to be a 2-part Deathly Hallows. One of the talked about scenes for Deathly Hallows is the kiss between Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson).

Although there are no leaked photos of that scene yet, it's going to be official that the kiss will materialize. Photo above can't be from Deathly Hallows with those outfit but it's still a nice buildup picture anyway.

Here's what Rupert Grint said to BBC Newsbeat about the kissing scene:

We were dreading it to be honest, because we’ve grown up together and it just seemed wrong really. We’ve known each other for 10 years so it was a bit like kissing my sister.

We were determined to get it right the first time, but our first try was a disaster because we both felt so self-conscious and we couldn’t stop laughing.

It was fine. We just really believed we were Ron and Hermione and not Rupert and Emma and it was OK. It was only a few takes, so it didn’t last long.

So better watch out for Deathly Hallows, the last piece of the Harry Potter series. I'm glad they split it into two films.

Gmail outage caused by routine upgrades

2009-09-02T02:07:00.000-07:00

Although it's fixed now, here's what happened in case you're curious on what happened with Gmail and the cause of it. According to Ben Treynor, VP Engineering and Site Reliability Czar for Gmail, the problem was due to a routine upgrade that they did to supposedly improve service availability.

Here are the details straight from the Gmail blog site.

This morning (Pacific Time) we took a small fraction of Gmail's servers offline to perform routine upgrades. At about 12:30 pm Pacific a few of the request routers became overloaded and in effect told the rest of the system "stop sending us traffic, we're too slow!". This transferred the load onto the remaining request routers, causing a few more of them to also become overloaded, and within minutes nearly all of the request routers were overloaded. As a result, people couldn't access Gmail via the web interface because their requests couldn't be routed to a Gmail server. IMAP/POP access and mail processing continued to work normally because these requests don't use the same routers.

Good job in keeping abreast on what transpired and informing the public Google. The 100-minute turnaround time was a bit long though.

Walmart expands recall of Duraband DVD players

2009-09-01T22:35:00.000-07:00

Wal-Mart expands the coverage of recall for Duraband DVD players it sold in the US and UK market that went as far back as 2006. The cheap DVD players from China have reportedly been overheating causing property damage due to fire.

Late August Wal-Mart already announced a recall for 1.2 million units which covers the silver Duraband DVD players. But as more incident reports come in, the recall will now cover the pink and purple version of the player as well.

Owners will get a full refund after returning the unit to a Wal-Mart store.

[U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission]

Chanel, world's oldest dog dies at the age of 21

2009-09-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

The world's oldest dog recognized by Guinness Book of World Record just died at the age of 21 in New York. Chanel is a wire-haired dachshund who's already 147 in dog years died of natural causes last Friday at her owners home in Port Jefferson Station, on Long Island.

Chanel has been with her owners Denice and Karl Shaughnessy ever since she was 6 months old when she was adopted from a shelter. In her later years, she always wore tinted sunglasses for her cataracts and sweater due to her sensitivity to cold.

She celebrated her last birthday with a party at a dog hotel and spa last May.

Vera Dushevina gave Venus Williams a hard time at the US Open 2009

2009-09-01T03:04:00.000-07:00

In the first round of the US Open 2009 inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, third seed Venus Williams had a hard time advancing courtesy of a Russian named Vera Dushevina who is ranked 44 places below her.

The two-time women's tennis champion spent a grueling two hours and 44 minutes to finish the match going 6-7, 7-5 and ending it at 7-3. She served an uncharacteristic 10 double faults but pulled out a big service game at 5-4 down in the second set to save the match.

Meanwhile, her sister and defending champion Serena, dominated her match over fellow American Alexa Glatch going 6-4 and 6-1.

Hurricane Jimena threatens Baja California

2009-08-31T06:20:00.000-07:00

The U.S. hurricane center issued a public advisory for residents in western Mexico and the southern part of the Baja peninsula to keep tabs on Category 4 Hurricane Jimena.

The weather is still mild in Mexico's resort-packed Baja but the dangerous Category 4 storm might hit the southern part by Tuesday evening. Early Monday, Jimena had maximum sustained winds near 145 mph (230 kph) and was moving northwest near 8 mph (13 kph).

Local directory for Civil Protection, Francisco Cota, expects that at least 10,000 families will be evacuated from potential flood zones into 60 shelters that would be set up.

Watch UFC 102: Couture vs Noguiera replay video

2009-08-29T23:02:00.000-07:00

Here's the replay fight video (courtesy of MMAShare) of the main event of UFC 102 featuring two legendary heavyweight fighters, Randy Couture and Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera.

Couture (16-9) is older at 46 but still has the chiseled body that earned him the title of Captain America.

Brazilian Antonio "Minotauro" Noguiera (31-5-1) is 33 years old with an imposing body and is a jujitsu fighter.

It's not a title match but it's one of the most highly anticipated MMA fights this year. It was an excellent fight that went down to the wire unlike the first two quick fights before them.

Jeff Hardy leaves WWE

2009-08-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

Jeff Hardy leaves WWE to pursue his other interests outside wrestling. He didn't leave because he was unhappy with his career any more but says that he wants some time off to do things at his own pace. He has a band called Peroxwhy?gen and might have a potential reality show.

In the next episode of WWE Smackdown, he fights World Champion CM Punk in a loser leaves WWE cage match where he will make his exit. It was Jeff Hardy who propelled CM Punk to a new level in WWE and the company thanks him for that.

WWE will still be supportive for Hardy and his projects and will welcome him if he decides to return.

[Wrestling Inc.]

Kidnapped girl resurfaced after 18 years

2009-08-27T22:55:00.000-07:00

18 years ago, an 11-year old girl named Jaycee Lee Dugard was snatched at the bus stop near her home in South Lake Tahoe. The case attracted national attention and was also featured in America's Most Wanted.

Recenly, the girl who's now a lady and a mother has resurfaced in a parole office in El Dorado County. She appeared with her two daughters and the couple who kidnapped her, Philip (58) and Nancy (54) Garrido. Philip is also the father of her two kids.

Jaycee was locked away in the backyard of Garrido's compound in Antioch, a small city of 100,000. When she was 14, Philip had raped her which led to their first daughter.

People are questioning the Garrido's parole officers. Philip was a convicted rapist and was on lifetime parole.

[more on Yahoo!]

Chris Brown sentenced to 5 years' probation

2009-08-25T22:14:00.000-07:00

Finally, a sentence has been passed in the Rihanna assault case which has been brewing since last June. Chris Brown who pleaded guilty to felony assault against Rihanna was sentenced to five years' probation and six months community labor. LA Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg also told Brown to stay 100 yards away from his ex-girlfriend for the next five years.

He will serve his probation in his home state Virgina and will be doing community labor (not service) in Richmond. If he violated any terms of the sentence, Schnegg says he could be sent to state prison.

Fortunately, the 100-yard restriction does not apply when attending music industry events.

Michael Beasley's Twitter Photo

2009-08-25T00:28:00.000-07:00

Here's the photo that Michael Beasley posted on his Twitter (already asked to be removed by the Miami Heat organization) that somehow paved his way into rehab. Although a bit blurry, the baggie on the bottom right is believed to contain marijuana or another illegal substance.

The number 2 pick of the NBA last year, Michael Beasley has checked into a rehab following a series of disturbing twits such as:

not feelin this at all!!!

Feelin like it's not worth livin!!!!! I'm done

Y do I feel like the whole world is against me!!!!!!! Back on my FTW!!!!! I can't win for losin!!!!!!

Too bad for Beasley and the Heat cause he's really a talented player and on his way to a promising second year.

Watch Entourage Season 6 Episode 7 streaming video

2009-08-24T06:34:00.000-07:00

Entourage Season 6 Episode 6: No More Drama

Vince and Turtle decide to take action after someone breaks into the house. Drama does his best to make up for the unfortunate incident with the network exec over Jamie-Lynn. Eric on the other hand, goes head to head with another manager at his agency over Bob Saget.

Ryan Jenkins found dead in a motel room

2009-08-24T00:22:00.000-07:00

Ryan Jenkins, the suspected murderer of former swimsuit model Jasmine Fiore was found dead in a motel on the outskirts of Hope, British Columbia.

The millionaire reality TV actor was found by a motel employee hanging inside his room in The Thunderbird Motel which seems to be an apparent suicide. He was the focus of a large-scale manhunt that stemmed from California where he was wanted and reached Canada where people believed he fled.

He was recently married in Las Vegas to ex-Playboy Jasmine Fiore who was found dismembered and stuffed in a trash bin in Buena Park, 20 miles southeast of Los Angeles last week.

Canadian Mounties joins manhunt for Jasmine Fiore's killer

2009-08-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has now joined the manhunt for millionaire reality TV star, Ryan Jenkins.Last week, former Playboy and swimsuit model Jasmine Fiore's body has been found naked, mutilated and stuffed in a trash bin in Orange County. Her teeth were pulled out and fingers cut off to avoid identification but luckily, investigators were able to identify her through the serial number of her implants.

Her husband, Ryan Jenkins, was the only suspect in this murder and police believed that he fled back to his home country, Canada. Although there were news report that he's already been captured, they were proved only to be a case of mistaken identity.

[Yahoo! News]

Jocelyn Saldana poses nude in NY subway train

2009-08-20T10:02:00.000-07:00

Passengers inside an L subway train were shocked when out of the blue, a young woman stripped off her clothes for a 30-second photo shoot.

It was 19-year old actress, Jocelyn Saldana who posed nude inside an L-train for New York City photographer Zach Hyman. Hyman was opening a show that night at Chair and Maiden Gallery in the West Village featuring 14 of his favorite shots of Nude Yorkers.

In case of arrest, Zach Hyman also keeps bail money handy, takes along a lookout for police and keeps his lawyer on speed dial.

For a NSFW image of the shoot, click here.

Hurrican Bill is getting stronger, forecasters warned

2009-08-19T08:18:00.000-07:00

The National Hurricane Center announced earlier that Hurrican Bill is already a Category 4 storm with top sustained winds near 135 mph early Wednesday. They expect that it would only grow stronger as it reaches the Atlantic Ocean.

According to Todd Kimberlain who's a forecaster at the center, the two essential ingredients for sustaining hurricanes is present in Hurricane Billl, having light wind sheer and warm waters.

The most hard hit place could be Bermuda, which the storm could pass in three or four days, Kimberlain said. But it also could move directly between Bermuda and the eastern coast of the U.S. without making landfall. Either way, people near the coast can expect wave swells and rip currents in the next few days.

New Moon trailer extended version in English

2009-08-18T08:42:00.000-07:00

Remember the new New Moon trailer shown in French a week ago where Taylor Lautner was being interviewed? Well here's the English version and in much better quality.

Palawan's rat-eating plant

2009-08-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

There is a unique species of a pitcher plant found in Palawan that can digest small animals including rodents.

It's not really a rat-eating plant per se but the team of botanists who found these type of pitcher plants on rugged Mount Victoria in Palawan saw rodents inside some. This rat-eating plant is among the largest of all pitcher plants measuring 30 x 16 cm.

It's cavity is so deep that when an insect or a small animal falls into it, it cannot escape and will be digested by its protein-dissolving enzymes.

This discovery happened in 2007 but it was just recently published by British botanists Stewart McPherson and Alastair Robinson in the Botanical Journal of Linnean Society.

The plant is now known as Nepenthes attenboroughii, named after British nature filmmaker Sir David Attenborough.

[Telegraph.co.uk]

Chima of Big Brother, Quit or Evicted?

2009-08-16T23:45:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, Big Brother 11 abruptly cut its feed after Chima Simone had one of her "insane" fits. When they went back on, Chima was gone. So was she evicted or did she leave on her own accord?

According to Chima, she wrote The Examiner telling them that she quit on her own terms. She made it clear that she left the house and was not told to leave for breaking the rules.

Well according to Big Brother, they told Chima to leave. From CBS statement, "Chima has been evicted by the producers from the Big Brother house for violating the rules. She will not be part of the show's jury. Her eviction will be addressed on an upcoming broadcast of the show."

If she was really evicted here was some of the possible reasons why:

She called Russell a terrorist
Chima was asked to put on her mic but she didn't
She threw her mic into the hot tub
She refused to use a new mic

Whatever the reason is, I'm glad she's gone.

Khloe After Dark every Friday night

2009-08-16T23:16:00.000-07:00

Khloe, the 25 year old sister of Kim Kardashian will be hosting her own radio show called Khloe After Dark. It will be a 5-week test which started last week and airs every Friday from midnight till 3 AM.

Khloe After Dark will be on Miami's Y100 (100.7). Khloe will be talking mostly about entertainment news and celebrity interviews.

[Image taken from her site]

Watch Entourage Season 6 Episode 6

2009-08-16T22:32:00.000-07:00

Entourage Season 6 Episode 6: Murphy's Lie

Eric mulls a job offer and tries to rebound from an ill-advised remark to Ashley; Drama puts himself between Jamie-Lynn and a notorious TV boss; Ari is surprised by an agency visit from Andrew’s wife.

Carano vs Cyborg, watch the video

2009-08-16T02:52:00.000-07:00

In the first ever Women's MMA title fight match, Gina Carano couldn't hold on for just a second as Cris Cyborg defeated her right at the end of first round of StrikeForce's inaugural woman's championship.

Watch the video:

It was Carano's first loss in 8 MMA fights. The heavy puncher Carano ran out of steam as jujitsu fighter Cyborg pounded her on the ground in the last few seconds of the first round.

Leaked New Moon trailer with translations

2009-08-15T00:44:00.000-07:00

For those of you who haven't seen the leaked French New Moon trailer with a commentary from Taylor Lautner (Jacob Black), here's a crudely captured but still working video. Just skip to the 1:50 mark for the actual interview.

It's still in French so I pulled the translation from MTV.

Jacob: What if you knew a secret that you couldn't share with anybody?
(Taylor: 'New Moon' is much more complex than 'Twilight.')
Edward: I’m leaving, you’ll never see me again.
(Taylor: Edward’s leaving makes Bella depressed and Jacob becomes the friend on whom she can depend on.)
Jacob: I know what he made you suffer, Bella. I’ll never make you suffer. I swear.
Bella: You know you’re beautiful?
(Taylor: Jacob has changed in many ways and is physically stronger, he's gained at least 14 pounds.)
Bella: Be careful those things are really heavy.
(Taylor: 'New Moon' will really bring it up to a whole new level. There’s more action in this movie especially with the intervention of the wolf pack. I think fans will be really satisfied.)
(Taylor: 'New Moon' is great. The suspense grows from the beginning to the end.)
Jacob: Avoid contradicting me

Those who will be watching Vanessa Hudgen's BandSlam in the US can see an english version of this new trailer. Just watch out for it if you're gonna see the movie.

What you need to know about WASP-17

2009-08-15T00:23:00.000-07:00

What is WASP 17? It is the latest planet discovered by a group of British universities, the Wide Area Search for Planets (WASP).

It is the largest planet discovered so far, twice the size of Jupiter. The funny thing about WASP-17 is that it orbits a star which is about 1000 light years away from Earth backwards!

It's called an extrasolar planet because it's not located in our solar system hence, it won't replace Pluto.

[AP]

Michael Vick is back in the NFL for the Eagles

2009-08-14T03:03:00.000-07:00

Once the highest-paid player for the NFL and now an ex-convict, Michael Vick is once again ready to play. He was signed to a one-year deal by the Philadelphia Eagles where he can get the chance to play alongside five-time Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb.

The 29-year old Michael Vick hasn't played since 2006. He was convicted of conspiracy and running a dogfighting ring in 2007 and served 18 months in federal prison.

The former Falcons star has also been suspended indefinitely but Commissioner Roger Goodel conditionally lifted his suspension so he could play in the last two preseason games. It was a gamble on the Eagles' part because once the season begins, Goodell will still consider if Vick can be fully reinstated.

[Yahoo News]

Michael Phelps involved in a car accident

2009-08-14T02:21:00.000-07:00

While driving in his SUV Thursday night, Michael Phelps collided with another car but fortunately, he was not injured.

Phelps was driving with two other passengers in his Cadillac Escalade when they collided with a Honda Accord. The female driver of the Accord was taken to a nearby hospital as a precaution. His two other passengers were also not injured.

According to the interview conducted by the police on Phelps, alcohol was not a factor. His SUV had a crumpled hood while the Accord had considerable damage on the front driver side.

No news yet on who's really at fault.

What's up with Facebook Lite?

2009-08-12T02:43:00.000-07:00

Facebook started handing out invitations to select users to beta test Facebook Lite. As of right now, it's supposed to be address, lite.facebook.com, doesn't work yet. It will simply redirect you to Facebook.

So what's going to happen with Facebook Lite? The public doesn't know yet but it's quite easy to guess.They created the "lite" version to compete with Twitter so expect a stripped down version of Facebook. Similar to what it looks like when it was still new. All you can see are Walls, Infos, Photos and Videos. None of those apps, games, quizzes and I sure do hope status messages pertaining to Mafia Wars, Farmville or How good are you in bed types does not show as well.

Best time to watch the meteor showers tonight

2009-08-11T19:14:00.000-07:00

The Perseid meteor shower which happens annually is already happening as we speak. However, tonight is expected to be the most fruitful for skywatchers as the moon will be high in the sky.
The best time to watch the showers tonight would be from midnight up to 5 AM but you may want to start as early as 11 PM. The hours between midnight and daybreak are typically the best time to watch, because that's when the side of Earth you are on is rotating into the direction of Earth's travels through space. Hopefully, the weather will be good as not to obscure the spectacle.

For more info and tips on watching the meteor shower, click here.

Xbox LIVE August Update gives you Games on Demand

2009-08-11T06:19:00.000-07:00

One of the great things found in the latest update for the Xbox LIVE is that you can now download full Xbox 360 games. Well not really right this instant but you can browse and purchase games through the Xbox LIVE Marketplace on the Web starting August 13.

Other cool features in the August update are:

Watch movies over Netflix
Improved parties
New account management features
Improved video display options
User ratings
UI improvement

For more information regarding the update, might as well head to their official site.

Passengers stranded in Great America roller coaster

2009-08-11T00:07:00.000-07:00

24 people were stranded on a roller coaster at Great America Theme Park in California when it stopped near its highest point.

The Invertigo starts out by ascending to its highest point but passengers were shocked earlier when the ride stopped near the top. Some were left hanging 80 feet above ground which happened midday in a 90-degree heat.

The first order for firefighters was to provide water to the stranded passengers to avoid dehydration. They removed them from their restraints and lowered them in a basket. No injuries were reported from the incident although some passengers were left hanging for almost 6 hours.

[CNN]

Ashley Green of Twilight does a Hudgens scandal

2009-08-10T19:29:00.000-07:00

At the heels of the recently leaked nude photos of Vanessa Hudgens, this time it's Twilight star Ashley Greene. She plays Edward's sibling, Alice Cullen, by the way for those who are not really Twilight fans. Not that I'm saying I'm a fan of Twilight but... bah...

Since I really don't post nude photos in this site, you can check out the rest of the sizzling pics here.

Baby found alive in coffin

2009-08-10T07:15:00.000-07:00

In Paraguay, a baby thought to be already dead was found alive in its temporary coffin. Doctors pronounced that the prematurely born son of Jose Alveranga dead shortly after its birth.

Four hours later in his home, the grieving Alveranga opened the temporary coffin of his son to bade goodbye when he got the shock of his life. He found that his son was breathing and quickly rushed him back to the hospital. The infant was quickly placed inside an oxygen chamber until his condition became stable.

Gee, what a blunder from the doctors.

[AOL]

Watch Entourage Season 6 Ep. 5 streaming video

2009-08-10T05:36:00.000-07:00

Entourage 6 Episode 5: Fore!

Vince and Drama team up with Mark Wahlberg and Tom Brady at a charity golf tournament; Ari’s adherence to his principles gets him in hot water with his wife and a fussy client; Eric is surprised by a job opportunity.

Kim Kardashian now a blonde? It's a wig!

2009-08-09T19:14:00.000-07:00

A few days ago we saw photos of socialite Kim Kardashian sporting a Beyonce-inspired blonde locks. I thought she needed the new look after her recent break-up but it turns out that it's only a wig that she had on during a photoshoot.

Here's her blog entry about it:

It’s a wig! Did I have you fooled? I did a fabulous photo shoot this weekend and they put this hair piece on! I haven’t taken it off since, because I’m really loving the look. I’ve been wearing it around New York and everyone thought it was my real hair! It’s making me want to dye my hair and maybe go lighter for the summer. What do you think? Should I dye it for real?

Either way, she still is hot.

Forrest Griffin dominated by Anderson Silva video

2009-08-09T07:25:00.000-07:00

In UFC 101, Anderson Silva completely dominated the Light Heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin in just 1 round. Check out the video here.

Silva, a great counter-puncher taunted Griffin to turn the fight into a brawl which worked to his advantage. Griffin kept coming at Silva who in turn kept ducking and weaving. Silva didn't even bother to parry the punches anymore, able to keep out of Griffin's reach while delivering his vicious counter-punches.

Griffin, who seemed to have a weak jaw got knocked down three times with what appears like not-so-powerful punches from Silva. He ran to his locker room immediately after the fight leaving Silva celebrating on his own.

7.1 earthquake rocked Tokyo, Japan

2009-08-09T06:54:00.000-07:00

Earlier today, about 8PM, a 7.1 earthquake rocked Japans capital and its surrounding areas. No immediate reports of damage or casualties yet but train operations stopped as well as a baseball game between the Yokohama Bay Stars and Chunichi Dragons.

US Geological Survey measured the quake at a magnitude of 7.1 while Japan Meteorological Agency only put it at 6.9. Affected areas around Tokyo included Ibaraki, Saitama, Tochigi and Chiba prefectures.

No threats of a tsunami has been reported yet.

In 1995, a 7.2 quake of the western port city of Kobe killed 6,400 people.

Chelsea Clinton asked to be a Kenyan's second wife

2009-08-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

When Hillary Clinton visited Nairobi, Kenya, she was asked about the wedding proposal offered by Kipkemoi Chepkurgor for her daughter Chelsea Clinton.

Nine years ago, Chepkurgor offered 40 goats and 20 cows as dowry to Bill Clinton for Chelsea's hand. He renewed it last Thursday when Hillary went to a Nairobi Town Hall Session.

Hillary's response? "She's very independent," she said. "So I will convey this very kind offer."

Chepkurgor has never met Chelsea yet but he admires the Clinton family. He's serious about his love for Chelsea even though he's already married. His wife is ok with it and polygamy is allowed in Kenya.

[CNN]

Kate Mara's see through pics in Shooter

2009-08-07T23:57:00.001-07:00

Kata Mara plays Mark Wahlberg's love interest in the 2007 movie Shooter. If you've seen the film, you might notice that there's a scene where she's wearing an almost see-through top.

Can't recall? Here's a screen capture.

Fore more of those Kate Mara pics, head to Celebrity Caps.

I don't know why the buzz suddenly on Kate Mara but I guess it has something to do with her upcoming flick Iron Man 2 where she plays Bethany Cabe, Stark's girlfriend.

JFK's sister Eunice Shriver in critical condition

2009-08-07T20:01:00.000-07:00

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the sister of assassinated US president John F. Kennedy, was hospitalized yesterday and in critical yet stable condition. She was admitted to Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, Massachusetts.

As to what prompted her to be hospitalized? Her spokeswoman Robin Lord wouldn't say anything about her illness.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver is one of the leading advocates for the rights of the mentally impaired and co-founded the Special Olympic Games in 1968.

Steven Tyler not dead but badly injured

2009-08-07T06:01:00.000-07:00

Aerosmith's lead vocalist Steven Tyler was rumored to be dead after he fell off the stage and was airlifted to a hospital during their concert in South Dakota.

He bled profusely before he was taken to the hospital. Reports says that he suffered minor head, neck and shoulder injury due to his fall.

With his injuries, the band announced that the concert this Friday night in Winnipeg, Canada will be postponed.

Lady Gaga not a lady after all?

2009-08-07T04:03:00.000-07:00

There are news circulating around the web that Lady Gaga is a hermaphrodite meaning she has both the male and female genitalia. This news spread after she performed recently at the Glastonbury Festival in England.

Check out this photo as she stepped down from her motorbike during her performance:

Hmmm. What do you make of that? If you wanna take a look at the video, here's the YouTube link and it's near the 1:10 minute mark.

According to a quote allegedly given by Lady Gaga:

Its not something that I'm ashamed of, just isn't something that i go around telling everyone. Yes. I have both male and female genitalia, but i consider myself a female. Its just a little bit of a penis and really doesn't interfere much with my life. the reason I haven't talked about it is ... Read More that its not a big deal to me. like come on. its not like we all go around talking about our vags. I think this is a great opportunity to make other multiple gendered people feel more comfortable with their bodies. I'm sexy, I'm hot. i have both a poon and a peener. big f-ing deal.

It's supposed to be something she posted on her blog but I can't find it anywhere.

Vanessa Hudgens new nude photos

2009-08-05T20:33:00.001-07:00

It seems that Vanessa Hudgens loves being seen naked. Or is she just practicing for her role in her upcoming movie "Sucker Punch" where she plays a hooker. Well it's all good if she's changing her image. She's too sexy for Team Mickey.

This is just one of the new nude photos of Ms. Hudgens circulating over the web these days. Ok this one's pretty tame but the others are sure not.

If you want to download the complete set, here's a Rapidshare link. Or head to this link if you just want to view them.

LA Fitness gunman had it all planned on his journal

2009-08-05T06:33:00.000-07:00

The gunman in the LA Fitness shooting that happened yesterday killing 6 people including himself has been identified as George Sodini.

He has been keeping an online journal and it seems that he's been wanting to kill for a long time but keeps on chickening out. He's been attending the gym since December last year while checking the girls out. He keeps on talking about not being able to sleep with anybody for 20 years that's why the hatred to the women he shot.

What probably prompted him to push through with his killing rampage is a message from a pastor Rick Knapp in Tetelestai Church in Pittsburgh, PA. According to his journal,

"Be Ye Holy, even as I have been Ye holy! Thus saith the lord thy God!", as pastor Rick Knapp would proclaim. Holy shit, religion is a waste. But this guy teaches (and convinced me) you can commit mass murder then still go to heaven. In any case, guilt and fear kept me there 13 long years until Nov 2006. I think his crap did the most damage.

Wow! What a nutcase. He also published the date of his death on his journal and already had a note saying that his site should not be taken off the web.

Human Dog Hybrid? Is it real?

2009-08-05T03:50:00.000-07:00

This photo of what is supposed to be a human dog hybrid has been circulating since 2005. I don't know why it surfaced again but the object on the photos is also called the human-sow hybrid and they are not real in the sense that it's not a real animal/human.

So what is in the photo exactly?

They are elements of a sculpture by Australian artist Patricia Piccinini entitled "The Young Family" which is a part of her We Are Family exhibition in 2003.

Here's is urban-legend site Snopes.com's entry about it.

At least 6 dead in LA Fitness shooting

2009-08-04T21:04:00.000-07:00

At least 6 people were already confirmed dead in the LA Fitness shooting in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania including the shooter. 15 people were shot last night with two already in critical conditions.

It happened 10 minutes into a latin dance class when the gunman in workout clothes entered the room with about 30 women. He closed the lights and began shooting around the room at random.

A woman in the class at the time of the shooting, identified as Nicole, told WTAE Channel 4 Action News that the class had started about 10 minutes before the gunfire.

She said about 30 people -- all women -- were in the class when "a middle-aged white male walked into the class. He had a big gym bag.""He looked out of place in a class full of women," according to the witness, who said the man put his bag down, turned the lights off and opened fire.

Included on those who died is the dance instructor. It is not yet known as to what gun was used but the police believed that the shooter committed suicide afterward.

For updates regarding this incident, visit this site.

Stephenie Meyer accused of plagiarism

2009-08-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

Twilight author Stephenie Meyer has been accused of plagiarism for lifting passages from an obscure book called "The Nocturne" which was released in 2006. The book's author, Jordan Scott, says that Meyer copied words and plots from "The Nocturne" into her 4th Twilight book, "Breaking Dawn".

In "Breaking Dawn", Bella marries Edward and the book talks about her adjustment to vampire life including her pregnancy. In Scott's "The Nocturne" it also tells of a wedding, has a sex-on-the-beach episode and also the wrenching change as a human turns into a vampire.

Scott's attorney plans to file a copyright infringement lawsuit against Meyer this week or next in U.S. federal court.

[Reuters]

The Obama Joker Poster

2009-08-03T07:56:00.001-07:00

Posters of Barack Obama spoofed with Heath Ledger’s Joker from The Dark Knight mysteriously pops in various surfaces around L.A. It’s still unknown as to who created the poster with the word “Socialism” beneath it but people are talking about it.

Known as guerilla or underground art, it is not known what political statement this poster wants to achieve. It still looks pretty awesome though. This should be a cover for TIME magazine. Hehehe.

Tiger Woods wins the 69th PGA Tour with a fart

2009-08-03T07:24:00.001-07:00

For the 3rd time in his career, Tiger Woods won the Buick Open last Sunday after shooting a 3 under par in the final round.

Woods looked pretty good at Warwick Hills to claim his 69th PGA Tour victory, but not before sealing the 18th hole with a loud fart. It has been the talk of the town for golf fans and Woods and his caddy Steve Williams shared a laugh with it.

Here’s the video of Woods farting while waiting at the 18th hole.

What happened in the 1916 shark attacks?

2009-08-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

In the summer of 1916, three victims fell to a shark attack in the Matawan Creek on the Jersey shore. 11-year old Lester Stillwell and his friend, 10-year old Joseph Dunn were swimming in the creek when a shark attacked them.

A local man, Stanley Fisher, jumped in to rescue the two boys but he too was attacked in front of the townspeople. When they finally able to rescue the three, only Dunn survived but with serious injuries. Stillwell expired before transport arrived while Fisher died at the hospital.

So what kind of shark made its way to the creek to attack the people? Find out in the 1916 Shark Attacks on Discovery Channel as they celebrate Shark Week.

Adam Richman hosts Travel Channel's Man v. Food

2009-08-02T19:14:00.000-07:00

Man v. Food is a show from Travel Channel that will take you to a ride on finding the best traditional food that the U.S. nation can offer. It is hosted by Adam Richman as he sets out to travel the country for the best places to taste unique food.

Adam is not a chef nor a restaurateur but he has build his resume by working in every aspect of restaurant jobs all over the country. As an undergraduate of International Studies in Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, Adam began a food journal of every awesome food establishments he has been to in southeastern U.S.

Catch Man v. Food every Wednesday nights 10 PM E/P on Travel Channel.

How Luis Resto killed Billy Collins Jr.

2009-08-02T06:07:00.000-07:00

In 1983, Luis Resto fought Billy Collins Jr. in a match that forever changed both fighters lives and effectively led to Collins Jr.'s death. After suffering serious facial injuries from the hands of Resto, it promptly ended Collins career.

It’s not that Resto is that great of a fighter, in fact Collins have the edge in terms of punching power. After the match, as Collins Sr. congratulated Resto who won via unanimous decision, he noticed that Resto's gloves didn't have any padding. Not only that, Resto later revealed in an interview that he soaked his hand wraps in plaster to make them stone hard.

With the stunt, Resto and his trainer were both convicted of criminal charges for assault, conspiracy and criminal possession of deadly weapon which is his knuckles. This ended Resto’s career.

It was much worse for Billy Collins Jr. who had to retire at age 21 because of his injuries. This led him to alcohol and depression and eventually to his death due to a car crash which many believe to be a suicide.

For more in-depth story, check out this article.

Pneumonic Plague spreads in Northwest China

2009-08-02T05:01:00.001-07:00

The Ziketan town in northwest China (Qinghai province) has been sealed off following the death of one of its residents from pneumonic plague. 11 others have been diagnosed of the highly virulent disease which prompted the quarantine in the Tibetan town.

Although there’s only 1 death recorded in the area as of now, pneumonic plague is more deadly than the bubonic plague with up to 100% fatality rate if left untreated. It is the second most virulent form of plague caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. In 2 to 4 days, a person with pneumonic plague will experience respiratory failure and shock if not treated.

Hanging Gardens of Babylon damaged by US troops

2009-07-31T20:00:00.001-07:00

According to a UN report, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon which is one of the original seven wonders of the world was damaged by US military. It was not damaged by attacks but by digging, leveling, trenching while converting it into a military base.

The site was converted into Camp Alpha in 2003 after the US invaded Iraq. It was occupied until December 2004.

"Key structures that were damaged include the Ishtar Gate and the Processional Way. Damage to the gate includes smashed bricks on nine of the bodies of the animals adorning the gate," according to the report.

Why did the report come out just now? I don’t know but the United States has agreed to pay $800,000 to help rehabilitate the Babylon site, an Iraqi official said.

[CNN]

Mort the Sniper 2 Walkthrough

2009-07-31T10:11:00.001-07:00

If you haven’t played the flash game Mort the Sniper 2 yet, click here to play it before looking at the walkthrough.

Stuck? Here’s the walkthrough.

Mission 1: You need to kill everybody
Just start from left to right

Mission 2: You need to create disturbance, shoot something that will create explosion
Shoot a passing car, kill the two thugs on the window.

Mission 3 - Eliminate all targets without arousing suspicion
Just wait for the three thugs to pee and shoot them behind the truck

Mission 4 - You need to make this look like an accident, just be sure to pick something that will actually kill the mayor
Shoot the wire holding the steel above the mayor

Mission 5 - You need to find a way to keep the bombs from exploding. Watch the guards' patrol pattern to find the right order to disable the bombs
Shoot the rightmost bomb first, then leftmost then the last one remaining in quick succession once all thugs walk out. Then kill all three thugs!

Mission 6 - Puppy mills require power, find the source and eliminate it
Shoot the operator, then look at the rightmost window and shoot the wirings colored red and black that looks like taped on the wall.

Mission 7 - Just shoot all five guards

BOSS LEVEL - The glass is bullet proof, so you need to create a distraction outside to draw the goons out.

This is frustrating, here's what I managed so far. I shot the transformer, lights blinked and the 4 guys went out of the house. I shot the Cuban smoking guy, and the next guy but still failed! I can't shoot the other 3 even though I have still bullets left!

[Source: Keybol.org]

Eminem's gets back at Mariah Carey with The Warning

2009-07-31T01:58:00.000-07:00

Whoa it's getting really serious and personal now. Eminem's latest track, The Warning, is a straight diss on Mariah Carey for her Obsessed track.

Check out some of the lyrics:

Only reason I dissed you in the first place is because you denied seeing me
Now I’m pissed off
Sit back and relax homey, kick back and relax, grab a six pack while I kick facts
Yeah Dre’s sick track, perfect way to get back
Wanna hear something wick wack?
I got the exact same tat that’s on Nick’s back
I’m obsessed now
Oh gee, is that supposed to be me in the video with the goatee
Wow Mariah, I didn’t expect her to go balls out
Bitch, shut the fuck up before I put all them phone calls out you made to my house when you was wild n out before Nick

Here's the rest of the lyrics. Eminem's a real master with the pen.

Download Eminem - The Warning mp3 from 4shared.

Cash for Clunkers ran out of gas

2009-07-30T20:01:00.001-07:00

It seems that Cash for Clunkers, the program where you could trade your old automobiles for newer and more fuel-efficient ones just ran out of gas. The rebate system program which is supposed to boost the US auto industry has just been suspended by the government.

House members were informed by the Department of Transportation that the program is either out of money or it soon will be before all pending deals are finished. Through late Wednesday, 22,782 vehicles had been purchased through the program and nearly $96 million had been spent and there are still more pending deals.

A White House official said though that transactions under the program that already have taken place would still be honored.

[AP]

Can the iPhone be infected with a virus?

2009-07-30T02:11:00.000-07:00

Can the iPhone be hacked? That seems to be the case for iPhones running on OS 3.0 and below.

According to Forbes, two researchers will reveal an iPhone SMS vulnerability that can possible infect other phones virally. Cybersecurity researchers Charlie Miller and Collin Mulliner says that if you receive an SMS on your iPhone containing only a single square character, you better turn your device off quickly.

This vulnerability will allow hackers to take complete control over your iPhone from dialing to visiting Web sites and most importantly, sending more text messages to further spread the virus.

You can read more about it from Forbes.